Monday, March 19, 2012

Anatomy of a Renovation

We are modestly renovating our new apartment at 510 Groveland and when I walked in a couple of weeks ago to see what the contractor had done, I almost got sick to my stomach. Now...most of you know I am a designer. I renovate, renovate, renovate! But, guess what? I renovate with my client's money, not mine. I've NEVER renovated a place in my life. Okay....I've painted and I've had my floors done twice. That story of the shoemaker's child is really quite a cliche, but somehow true, nonetheless.

Why does it make me sick to my stomach? Because I have to pay to put it all back together!!!!!
But I know that, in the end, it will be an elegant place. The crabapple trees outside our window alone will make it beautiful.

We are doing something akin to "lipstick" - just the bones - polish up the floor, add some groovy lights, a coat of white paint and some appliances that actually work. That's about it for Phase I. Then, we move in, unpack some clothes, make up a bed and leave for Italy on April 23 for OUR FIRST RETREAT IN FLORENCE! (Okay, we only have one couple, but it is happening. You know, sometimes you start small.)

For now...here's what 510 looks like and I'll keep you posted. We've got a ways to go before move-in. Painters started today. They are so cute - just very earnest about their work.

The plumber began to plumb the gas line so I could have a gas range instead of an electric one. That is one expensive puppy, but I am going for it. I've lived with a stupid electric range for 7 years and I am so over it! I want my gas back.

And the floor guys are looking for more of the weird wood "tiles" so they can patch the floor where we took out odd little 1980's corner cabinets with glass shelving.

Here is what I saw this morning:

Entry

Corner of Living Room - look at the markings from the original picture moulding!
We will replace it.

A Charleston Itinerary: Off the Beaten Path

Sneaker. Crazy hip shoe store in a gorgeous building with courtyard. Entry on King just north of Beaufain. Don't miss for the friendly, talented, but unlikely staff and unique collection of sneakers and way cool Italian shoes and sunglasses (check out the wooden ones!) Hold on to your wallet! :-) www.facebook.com/SneakerFF

Lucca Charleston. Their motto is "It's about the food." No kidding. In Elliotborough - way off the beaten path! www.luccacharleston.com/

Bon Banh Mi for lunch. Divine, fresh sandwiches. www.bonbanhmi.com

The Ordinary for dinner. Jumbo Flounder and Leek and Goat Cheese Tart with Olivata. OMG. www.eattheordinary.com (This one not so off the beaten path now that the NY Times and Elle Decor have discovered it, but the food and milling through the well-dressed crowds makes it worth it!)

Dell'z Deli (Mahi Wrap!) and Dell'z Juice Bar at the corner of Cannon and King. www.facebook.com/pages/Dellz-Deli/128999187132883

Magnolia Cemetery: 19th Century Cemetery home to many Confederate soldiers, renowned Charleston families. Lovely, peaceful, free from tourists. 10 minute drive out of the old city.